29. Atlanta Hawks

(19-46, rank last week: 25)

Hawks CEO Steven Koonin’s idea about starting the season in December as opposed to October does have some merit as far as generating increased attention and improving ratings. Did I also mention the Hawks were 4-16 prior to December this season?

25. New York Knicks

24. Phoenix Suns

(26-38, rank last week: 24)

One of the highlights of an otherwise dismal season for the Suns has to be ex-Celtic Aron Baynes (37 points, 16 rebounds, nine made 3’s) joining James Harden as the only players in NBA history to score 30-plus points, grab 15-plus rebounds and make at least eight 3’s in a single game.

23. Chicago Bulls

(21-43, rank last week: 22)

Even with the Brooklyn Nets' anticipated slide now that now-ex head coach Kenny Atkinson has been fired, the Bulls’ recent three-game losing streak all but knocked them out of making a legit run at the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.